Within the next moment, the blue knight appeared before Askyros.
("When did he get here?!") [Adam]
There was no indication of movement. No gust of wind. Not even a step forward. The blue knight simply just appeared.
"...Here." [Blue Knight]
He tossed Askyros a spare sword that had also seemingly come out of nowhere.
"Guard with your life." [Blue Knight]
Askyros felt the breath of death down his neck, causing him to block a downward slash with the sword given.
"Ngh…!" [Askyros]
He felt a pressure never felt before. The blow was fast, heavy, and strong. So much so that even Askyros' knees started to buckle.
"This strength…" [Askyros]
Sweat formed at his palms and he grit his teeth as he struggled.
"Stop." [Sovereign of Faith]
The empowered voice made the blue knight freeze.
"...Of course, my lord." [Blue Knight]
He then withdrew his sword and sheathed it. Within an instant, the blue knight returned by the Sovereign of Faith's side.
"Askyros. I have tolerated your… eccentric behavior for quite a while. I can no longer turn a blind eye." [Sovereign of Faith]
The Sovereign of Faith let out a sigh as cold as ice.
"Today is a day of celebration. A new titan has risen. Unfortunately, you have committed the crime of murder in the grand hall." [Sovereign of Faith]
The Sovereign of Faith gazed at Askyros.
"I suppose there is no other choice other than to hand out punishment." [Sovereign of Faith]
He then snatched a scroll out of thin air.
"I will give you the assignment to subdue a troublesome opponent. There have been reports of someone that is known as the Demon of Frenzy. They plague the battlefields and kill anyone regardless of their allegiance. Make sure he never comes back." [Sovereign of Faith]
He then released the scroll, allowing it to float to Askyros.
"Finish this and you will be pardoned of your crimes. Then, and only then, will you receive the benefits of a titan." [Sovereign of Faith]
Askyros took the scroll and nodded.
"Now, you may leave." [Sovereign of Faith]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The ride back was a bit chaotic.
"Askyros, are you insane?!" [Ryse]
"No." [Askyros]
"You almost died!" [Tida]
"I know." [Askyros]
"That was actually pretty ballsy of you. I'm honestly surprised you lived." [Aleph]
"..." [Askyros]
Ryse and Tida glared at Aleph.
"Okay okay…" [Aleph]
He raised his hands in defeat.
"Askyros. Can you tell me why you killed Nikal?" [Ryse]
"He treats those lower than him like cattle." [Askyros]
Tida opened her mouth like she wanted to say something, but Ryse silenced her with a look.
"Okay. What's done is done I guess. Can I take a look at the scroll you were given?" [Ryse]
Askyros handed him the scroll given by the Sovereign of Faith.
"Let's see here… Mhm… Demon of Frenzy… Wait. This guy isn't really a demon?" [Ryse]
Askyros took a peek from curiosity.
"This is…" [Askyros]
There was a quick drawing of someone wearing a mask covering from the nose up. It was similar to that of a skull, but somehow deformed.
"It is a human." [Askyros]
"Yep. I'm pretty glad actually. I've heard that even three demons are strong enough to threaten a country." [Tida]
Aleph's eyes went wide open.
"Wait. Demons exist?!" [Aleph]
All three passengers gave him a weird look.
"You don't know that?" [Ryse]
"...Are angels real too?" [Aleph]
"Gods as well." [Tida]
Aleph slumped in his chair.
"I am very much surprised." [Aleph]
Tida shook her head in disappointment.
"How sheltered were you?" [Tida]
"Nevermind that. We should focus on our target. I think I have some files back at base that may lead to this Demon of Frenzy." [Ryse]
Askyros crossed his arms.
"Then that is what we shall do." [Askyros]